In finance functions in local government in the South East, it’s those that are in senior interim positions with niche expertise which appear to have more job security than those lower down the ranks. However, across other parts of the UK, we’re seeing fewer roles at the very top come through. As more functions are moved to shared services, there is a demand for capital or corporate accountants and those with experience of resource allocation and treasury management. Project accountants with knowledge of personalisation projects are highly sought after.
Local government continues to seek procurement professionals on an interim basis. The focus has switched from strategic procurement and long-term thinking to immediate savings and supply chain management, but senior level experts with strong change and negotiation experience are still in demand.
In the social care arena, we’re seeing experts such as commissioners, procurement consultants, change managers, transformation and strategy consultants in high demand to lead the development of the personalisation agenda in adult social care. Due to the diversity of approach from one authority to the next, a flexible and informed approach to recruitment is key.
On the front line, in childrens services, as workloads increase few social workers are keen to work in this environment. This has also created a skills gap in specialist children workers such as private fostering and parenting. Adults managers are also in demand to implement new projects in line with government agendas and new legislation.
As Building Schools for the Future investment programme is high on the government agenda we’ve seen an increase in the requirement for experienced commercial contract and procurement lawyers in local government.
In housing a number of housing organisations are restructuring as a way to create efficiencies. As a result 40% of the senior level positions we are seeing are to either lead or assist organisations in maintaining performance during the restructure of engaging staff post restructure. We’ve also seen the breadth of a number of generic housing officer roles widen as many have taken on responsibility for services related to vulnerable tenants.
Links in blue go to current vacancies on the Badenoch & Clark website and are live and up to date as of 11 March 2010
